EQUIPMENT NOTE

REPRODUCED WITH THE KIND PERMISSION OF ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
EXTRACTED FROM EQUIPMENT NOTE NO. 1

CONTENTS :
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Purpose

1.2 Use
1.2.1 Deployment
1.2.2 Hazards of Use
1.2.3 Considerations and Recommendations in Use

1.3 Care and Maintenance
1.3.1 Inspection Before and After Use
1.3.2 Cleaning and Storing
1.3.3 Decontamination after Use
1.3.4 Damage and Repair

1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Purpose

1. The Ruth Lee training dummies/mannequins/manikins are used for emergency training drills wherever it is necessary to simulate the rescue of an adult from a dangerous situation.

1.2       USE
1.2.1 Deployment

1. Deploy the drill training dummies in any training exercise in which the rescue of casualties from dangerous situations needs to be carried out. Use dummies to avoid exposing personnel acting as casualties to unnecessary hazards or accidents during training.
2. Training dummies MUST be deployed in any rescue exercise involving the use of Breathing Apparatus and/or real fire.
3. The Health and Safety Manual Section 3.16.6, Code of Practice for Fire Stations, has general procedures when using training dummies, the details of which are given in the following paragraphs on Hazards and Use.

1.2.2 Hazards of Use

The following precautions must be taken when manually handling the dummies:

THE TRAINING DUMMIES ARE HEAVY. THEY MUST ALWAYS BE CARRIED BY TWO  PEOPLE, EXCEPT DURING ACTUAL RESCUE TRAINING EXERCISES.

1. During pick-up drill and training exercises, two people must always be employed. Before one person can handle training dummies during the rescue phase of the exercise, the handling of the dummies will be subject to dynamic risk assessments by personnel engaged in the training scenario.
2. When hauling a training dummy aloft in preparation for a drill exercise, two people must be used, and only approved and tested means of hauling must be employed. Hose whips must NEVER be used for this purpose

1.2.3 Considerations and Recommendations in Use

When deploying a dummy during a training exercise, the following points must be born in mind:

1. The dummy is weighted like the human body, so treat it as if it were a human casualty when balancing, manoeuvring and carrying it.
2. When passing a dummy between rescue personnel, be sure that the person below or receiving the dummy is fully prepared for the weight before letting go.
3. Do not deliberately drop or abuse the dummy.
4. Do not expose the dummy to fire, excessive heat or hazardous substances. Where it has to be exposed, dress the dummy in protective overalls or clothing to enhance its durability. If it becomes contaminated, it must be decontaminated before being handled again.

1.3    CARE & MAINTENANCE
1.3.1 Inspection Before and After Use

Visually inspect the dummies as follows:

1. Check that they have no tears or holes that would interfere with their handling.
2. Check that none of the seams has become un-stitched and that the stitching is not worn down.
3. Check that all the labels are secure.
4. Check that nothing has become embedded in the body of the dummy. No hard material is used in the manufacture of the dummy, so anything hard will be a foreign object and it must be removed.
5. Check that none of the limbs are loose and that no part of the dummy is likely to fall loose during drills.

1.3.2  Cleaning and Storing

The dummies are covered with a sturdy, colourfast canvas that, in general, will be easy to keep clean. However, if they are likely to get dirty, it is recommended that the dummies are first clothed with overalls. The overalls can then be removed and cleaned in the usual way.

1. If the dummy does become soiled, wipe it down with a damp cloth and stand it up to dry.
2. If the dummy becomes soiled with oil or other similar substances, carefully clean these off using a sparing amount of paraffin or similar cleaning fluid. Then wipe the dummy with soapy water to remove traces of the cleaning fluid.
3. If the dummy has got wet during use or through cleaning, hang it up by a loop of rope to dry in an airy place. The dummy should dry quite quickly.
4. Although the dummy is made from rot-proof canvas, always ensure that it is completely dry before stowing it away.

1.3.3  Decontamination after Use

1. If the dummy has been exposed to hazardous substances during the exercise, it must be decontaminated with the rest of the equipment. Include a warning about its weight on the bag label. If the dummy has absorbed the substances, seek specific instructions from the Hazmat Officer.

1.3.4    Damage and Repair

1. This equipment cannot be repaired at the station. It must be returned to Brigade Stores for repair.

This equipment note is intended for guidance purposes only.

Copyright© RBFRS, 2000 and reproduced by Ruth Lee with permission of RBFRS

(R.B.F.R.S - will not be held responsible for any misquoting
or misunderstanding of this document)

Supplementary note:

Water rescue dummies are designed to allow the ingress of water during use; it is desirable that this water is allowed to drain out after use. To aid this process, it is recommended that the dummies are hung up using the large webbing loop to the back and that the Wellingtons are removed.
The handling of the Water Rescue dummy both before and after use must be subject to Dynamic Risk assessment by the personnel involved.